North Carolina Woman Faces Homicide Charge in Death of 13-Year-Old Daughter

Kymberli Bowden, 45, of North Carolina, United States, is facing a first-degree homicide charge after her 13-year-old daughter died, authorities say. The girl, identified only as ZT, weighed 35 pounds and had suffered severe malnutrition. An autopsy report cited by FOX 8 News determined that ZT died from acute necrotizing pneumonia and inanition, a condition tied to severe malnutrition and physical wasting. Her body was found at Bowden's home on October 14, 2025, and officials said she had likely been dead for about two days before being discovered. Prosecutors told the court that the medical examiner portrayed the teenager as severely emaciated, with tangled hair, a hollow face and eyes that appeared sunken. Medical records from shortly before her death reportedly indicated she had weighed between 63 and 65 pounds at an earlier point. Police went to Bowden's residence in High Point after relatives voiced concern that they had not seen the girl for several months. At the home, officers also discovered her 13-year-old twin brother alive. According to a warrant cited by The News & Observer, the boy did not have adequate food, clothing or clean living conditions. He was said to have experienced significant psychological damage. Police records further noted that worried neighbors had asked for welfare checks on the children, and accounts described the home as containing trash and spoiled food. Bowden was initially charged with two felony child abuse counts and a charge of concealing a death. The homicide count was added once authorities received the completed autopsy results. Conviction could result in a life sentence. She is due back in court in December.